Red tape 'delaying cure hopes'

RESEARCH into medical cures is being hampered because of a government delay, scientists claim. A £2million stem research centre is opening in Manchester - but scientists say they cannot begin pioneering work until ministers agree on how treatments should be given to patients.

RESEARCH into medical cures is being hampered because of a government delay, scientists claim.

A £2million stem research centre is opening in Manchester - but scientists say they cannot begin pioneering work until ministers agree on how treatments should be given to patients.

The centre at Manchester University will allow scientists to develop new cells that could eventually treat serious illnesses including spinal injuries or degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's.

Research into stem cells, which are organisms mostly taken from human embryos, has been taking place for several years.

Under current practice scientists have stored modified stem cells along with cells from animals to keep them alive for longer.

But under existing laws, cells created in this way could not be implanted in humans because of the risk of cross-species contamination. Scientists are switching to safer materials to help preserve the new cells and have also been building `clean' laboratories where they hope to produce cells possible for transplant.

Manchester scientists received cash from the North West Development Agency to build such a facility.

But experts at the Northwest Embryonic Stem Cell Centre say progress is being held up because government officials cannot agree on how to approve the cells for human use.

Dr Daniel Brison, co-director of the centre, said scientists cannot begin meaningful research until regulators set out the rules for human transplant. Health minister Lord Hunt has backed the research.